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Puerto Rico, Caribbean City Guide

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Puerto Rico Meeting Planning

Puerto Rico Convention Center

As if the crystal-blue seas, fine white sands and year-round mild temperatures weren't enough, surely Puerto Rico's ambitious downtown renaissance is sufficient to cement the island as one of the Caribbean's top meetings destinations. The 113-acre, $1.3 billion Convention Center District is leading the way in the country's massive revitalization. One of the only multi-use waterfront development projects in the Americas, the district will be home to new hotels, public parks and a plethora of entertainment areas.

Expected to have 1,770 hotel rooms by its completion in 2012, the district is already scheduled to open two hotels in 2009. Of them, the 500-room Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel will house a large lobby, casino, full-service spa and music hall, plus ample banquet and meeting rooms.

The district's crown jewel is undoubtedly the stunning $415 million Puerto Rico Convention Center. Opened in 2005 to rave reviews, the center immediately garnered both visitor and critical acclaim. In fact, it won a Prime Site Award from Facilities and Destinations magazine in its first year of operation. The largest of its kind in the Caribbean, the center offers 580,000 square feet of space, including a 152,700-square-foot exhibition hall, 15 separate meeting rooms and a 39,500-square-foot ballroom. With a sweeping, spacious design, the architecturally-stunning center hosted over one million people attending over 1,000 various events in its first two and a half years of operation.

Puerto Rico's new meeting facilities certainly do not take the shine away from the tried and true unique venues populating the island. The 16 sculptures, waterfalls and ponds at the famed Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico's gardens make a memorable spot for cocktail receptions. Or, cater a dinner at the on-site four-star Pikayo Restaurant, whose contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine is reputed as among the best of the island. Gather up to 120 attendees at the Arecibo Observatory, home of the world's largest radio telescope, or tap into Puerto Rico's roots with an event at 16th century La Casa Blanca, the former family residence of the country's first governor.

Tren Urbano (Urban Train)

Though such venues are spread across the island, traveling among them is not a concern. The rapid transit system Tren Urbano and 277 public buses provide quick and reliable transportation in the island's metropolitan area. Tourist taxis and independently-owned "Público" vans can ferry guests to harder-to-reach areas. The island itself is just as accessible, being within five hours of many major U.S. cities including MiamiMiami
Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago and Dallas. Welcoming passengers to the island, the Luis Muñoz Marín International AirportLuis Munoz Marin International Airport
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, just 15 miles from the convention center, has been undergoing a $400 million revitalization project. A renovated concourse and new gates, guest services and check-in counters provide a more comfortable and convenient experience for air travelers.

Puerto Rico's economy is fueled by the manufacturing, tourism, pharmaceutical and technology industries. As one of the world's leading rum producers, more than 80 percent of the rum sold in the United States originates from Puerto Rico. The island serves as headquarters for companies such as First BanCorp, Oriental Financial Group and R&G Financial Corporation. Puerto Rico colleges and universities include the University of Puerto Rico, Pontificial Catholic University and Inter-American University.

Key Statistics

About Puerto Rico / Additional Info

San Juan Coastline

Among the islands of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is the smallest in size but not in population. Nearly four million people inhabit the 5,325-square-mile island and its smaller islands of Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo and Caja de Muertos. Originally dominated by the Taino Indians during the 7th and 11th centuries, the island and its present-day capital San Juan became an important military outpost for the Spaniards in the 16th century. Spanish control lasted until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when the Spain ceded the country to the United States. It remains a self-governing unincorporated U.S. territory today.

Puerto Rico's colorful past lives on in its many diverse neighborhoods, enriched by a unique mix of African, Taino Indian, Spanish and North American influences. Old San Juan, a historic walled city, is home to Spanish Colonial forts. Perhaps most notable, the 27-acre Fuerte San Felipe de MorroFuerte San Felipe de Morro
Fuerte San Felipe de Morro was the largest fort built by the Spaniards in the New World. In the central region of the island, guests find one of the most important archeological sites in the West Indies at the Caguana Ceremonial Park. Home to about 30 ball courts, monoliths and petroglyphs built by the Tainos, the park is also home to a museum containing artifacts from this ancient culture.

Beach in Puerto Rico

With some 300 miles shoreline, lush tropical vegetation and a pleasant year-round climate, Puerto Rico beckons guests away from its historic towns and attractions with world-class outdoor recreation. Make a splash in the emerald waters of Cana Gorda or Isla Verde beaches, or lie back on the white sands of Seven Seas or Boqueron. Puerto Rico is also home to three bioluminescent bays, or swim-friendly glowing lagoons, full aquatic life that literally glows. Indulge in this natural wonder at Las Croabas in Fajardo or Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

For visitors looking for some outdoor fun on land, the island offers 100 tennis facilities and 20 world-class golf courses, plus thousands of acres of lush parks and reserves. Explore the well-marked trails among rare orchids and colorful wildlife at the 28,000-acre El Yunque National ForestEl Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest. With some luck, catch a glimpse of the rarely seen Puerto Rican lizard-cuckoo, woodpecker, or Emerald hummingbird at the Guánica Dry Forest reserve.

Visitors can cap off a fun-filled day with a relaxing night at one of the diverse restaurants and bars scattered about the island. Fresh seafood and succulent tropical fruit such as pineapples, guavas and papayas are plentiful; the southwest region is even home to 14 different kinds of bananas. Savor all the flavors of Puerto Rico in traditional cuisine such as stuffed plantains and cheese and yam dumplings at the popular Ajili Mojili restaurant.

As a producer of 27 different types of rum, Puerto Rico's cocktails are a refreshing complement to its exotic flavors. Sip a frosty piña colada or glass of Planter's Punch, a mixture of dark-brown rum, citrus juice and Angostura bitters. For the adventurous, the aged, filtered and oak barrel-charred anejos rums are flavorful and distinct drinks, smooth enough to enjoy on the rocks. Whatever the libation of choice, guests are sure to find it a perfect ending to cap off an unforgettable trip.